By Honorary Reporter Gabriela Sánchez from Venezuela

Photos= Gabriela Sánchez

COVID-19 is a huge problem worldwide, directly affecting education. Many educational institutions have temporarily closed their doors to prevent the spread of the disease, including those teaching the Korean language. Yet even for those stuck at home like me, the internet offers numerous resources to learn Korean online.

So how can you study from home? From a native Korean teacher's blog to modern class platforms, everything can become a learning tool if you know how to take advantage of it.

During the quarantine in my country Venezuela, Korean classes have been suspended at the Korean Academy of Venezuela, the country's lone institution that teaches the language. Thus teachers have gone online to continue teaching.

For example, Edmodo, YouTube or Talk To Me In Korean are among the numerous resources available for practicing writing, listening and reading skills or taking on new grammar. As a student of the Korean language, I have used platforms like Edmodo to use new tools that improve my skills at home. It allows me to contact my teacher by attending online classes where I can upload material (e.g., links, videos, PDF and MS Word files), place assignments and even take short exams.

YouTube channels dedicated to teaching Korean could be a creative alternative for those who shun monotony. Finally, longtime sites such as Talk To Me In Korean are where I usually find texts, videos with native conversations or an endless amount of grammar explained in simple terms.

So does studying Korean online have any benefits? Yes, a lot of them. The most important thing is time flexibility and the advantage of free instruction through a variety of portals and a multitude of multimedia resources. Plus you can meet native Korean speakers who can help you improve your language skills.

Even during the COVID-19 outbreak, there's no limit to learning Korean, and this time can also remind students to reinforce their knowledge of Hangeul through unconventional methods. The attainment of knowledge depends on individual effort and creativity, so let's stay on course.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.